1. The problem is to simplify the expression $\frac{5x}{5} + x + 17.5$. 2. Use the rule that $\frac{a \cdot b}{a} = b$ when $a \neq 0$. 3. Simplify $\frac{5x}{5}$ to $x$ because $5$ cancels out. 4. Now the expression becomes $x + x + 17.5$. 5. Combine like terms: $x + x = 2x$. 6. So the simplified expression is $2x + 17.5$.